Your one stop Vaccination Clinic
Flu Vaccine
Flu Vaccination in the West Midlands
We can vaccinate you and your family against Flu this year.
Flu
Signs & Symptoms
Sudden high fever and sweats
Cough (usually dry) and a sore throat
Runny or blocked nose
Muscle and body aches
Headache
Fatigue and weakness
Who can get the vaccine on the NHS free of charge?
The NHS flu vaccine, FREE for eligible groups (see below)
(Patients must be over the age of 18)
have certain health conditions (click here for the list)
are pregnant
are in long-stay residential care
receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
frontline health or social care workers
Private Flu Vaccination
Private flu vaccines available (£22.99)
(Patients must be over the age of 18)
Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic
General Contact & Travel Vaccination
Tel: 0121 501 3518
Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic
General Contact & Travel Vaccination
Tel: 01384 872117
Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic
General Contact & Travel Vaccination
Tel: 01902 883 182
Common questions about the flu jab
Flu is a highly infectious disease. The symptoms, that come on very quickly, include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. For most healthy people, a bad bout of flu is worse than a heavy cold usually requiring someone to spend a few days in bed. However, serious infections, especially in those with underlying health conditions, although less common, can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability and even death.
Symptoms of flu typically begin suddenly and can include high fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, headache, and nasal congestion. Many people also report feeling generally unwell or weak for several days. Some individuals, particularly children, may experience vomiting or diarrhoea, although these are less common in adults. In more severe cases, the infection can progress to complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or secondary bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable groups. Flu symptoms usually last for five to seven days, but tiredness and coughing may persist for longer, even after the fever has resolved. It is important to rest, stay hydrated, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist beyond what is typical.
Flu is caused by viruses that are spread from person to person. They infect the respiratory system, where they can lead to pneumonia and other complications. The viruses are constantly changing and this is one of the main reasons why people should have a flu jab annually.
- Flu is spread by coughs and sneezes that propel infected droplets of saliva or nasal secretions into the air which are then breathed in by others. The disease is also spread by people touching surfaces that the droplets have landed on and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. This is why frequent hand washing or using an antiseptic hand rub is so important during the winter flu season.
- It’s quite hard to avoid because people may be able to pass the virus on to others a day or so before symptoms start to show (as well as up to seven days after), so they won’t know if they are spreading the virus or not. So it’s very hard to avoid contact with people infected with the flu virus. And, of course, members of your family can always bring it into the home. You can wash your hands regularly but this won’t stop you catching the disease by breathing in the infected droplets in the air. So the best way to help avoid getting flu is by having the flu jab.
- The risk of serious illness from flu and consequent hospitalisation and death is higher among those aged 65 years and older as they are more likely to have an underlying health problem and the immune system does not work as well. The best way for people at risk from flu to protect themselves is to have the flu jab
- You are at particular risk of severe illness if you get flu and have an underlying health condition, or are pregnant. This means that you are more likely to be admitted to hospital or on rare occasions be admitted to intensive care and even potentially die.
- By having the flu jab you will be significantly reducing your risk of getting flu but no vaccine offers 100% protection.
The flu vaccine provides protection for the duration of the flu season, which typically runs from autumn through to spring in the UK. Immunity develops around two weeks after vaccination and usually lasts for several months. However, because flu viruses change frequently, the composition of the vaccine is updated annually to match the most prevalent strains predicted to circulate. As a result, people need to be vaccinated every year to maintain effective immunity. The NHS offers free flu jabs each year to eligible groups, including people over 65, those with certain medical conditions, frontline health workers, carers, pregnant women, and young children. For those not eligible on the NHS, the vaccine is available privately at pharmacies.
The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone travelling during local flu seasons, particularly between November and April in the Northern Hemisphere and May to October in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also advisable when visiting tropical countries where flu can circulate year-round or when spending extended time in close-contact environments such as cruise ships, care homes, or large gatherings. Travellers with chronic health issues, pregnant women, and those visiting healthcare settings abroad should ensure their flu vaccination is up to date. While the vaccine may not be a strict entry requirement for most destinations, it is a valuable preventive measure for protecting your health while abroad.
The flu vaccine is generally very safe and causes only mild side effects in most people. Common reactions include slight soreness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, aching muscles, or fatigue for a day or two after vaccination. These are signs that the body is building protection. In children given the nasal spray vaccine, mild symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, or sore throat may occur. Serious side effects, including allergic reactions, are extremely rare. The vaccine does not contain live flu virus (except in the nasal spray version) and cannot cause flu. The benefits of seasonal vaccination in preventing severe illness, hospitalisation, and complications outweigh any short-lived side effects, making it a key part of public health protection each year.
- Speak to your pharmacist, GP or visit the flu pages on the NHS Choices website at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx
Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.
Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.
We’re Waiting To Help You
The West Midlands Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.
Contact us today to get your and your loved ones protected.
Same Day Appointments
We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at the West Midlands Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.
Expert Pharmacists
Our team includes expert pharmacists who are dedicated to providing you with personalised and professional healthcare advice.
Competitive Pricing
We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.
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We offer a wide range of medical treatments for you and your loved ones.
